August 10, 2009

Chicago Bears receiver Devin Aromashodu knows all about Pro Bowl QBs

BOURBONNAIS -- Devin Aromashodu wouldn't budge no matter how many times the question was posed.

The Bears receiver was asked which quarterback was better between the two Pro Bowlers he's caught passes from in his brief career: Peyton Manning or Jay Cutler.

"Oh man, I can't compare those two,'' Aromashodu said. "They're both great quarterbacks. Both of them have been to the Pro Bowl, so that speaks for itself.''

Aromashodu, one of the easiest receivers to ignore at the start of training camp, hopes to be a part of the receiver group that gets Cutler to his next Pro Bowl.

The former seventh-round draft pick of the Dolphins has six career games and one start to his credit since entering the league in 2006. Aromashodu has seven-career catches for 96 yards, having spent most of his pro career on practice squads. The Bears claimed him after Washington waived him last season, but Aromashodu was inactive for all three games upon joining the Bears.

The circumstances are different now. The Bears aren't quite set a receiver, with so many inexperienced players at the position. Cutler could use a few big targets, so the 6-foot-2-inch Aromashodu and 6-foot-3-inch Brandon Rideau are nice options.

Rideau had his breakout performance last Friday. Aromashodu hasn't been too shabby, either, getting some first-team reps and looking rather fluid while doing so.

"I think there's something to be said about the receivers here in Chicago; that given the opportunity, we all can compete,'' he said.

It might be a heck of a competition for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Bears kept six receivers last season, and Devin Hester and Earl Bennett are locks this year. The group of Aromashodu, Rideau and Rashied Davis makes five. The Bears are high about the futures of rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox, which makes seven.

Saturday night's exhibition at Buffalo provides the perfect opportunity for guys to establish some separation, and not just from defensive backs. If Aromashodu continues to perform like he has, he's certain to get more opportunities.

"The last few days, he's really stepped up,'' offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. ``He's making plays. If a guy's making plays, he's going to get opportunities.''

Devin Hester(should be more on returns now that you got a QB and some recievers), Brandon Rideau,Devin Aromashodu,Earl Bennett, Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox are your recieving corp. Politics has a lot to do with this, so the Bears may make some bad decisions for the sake of politics.

You guys always had on Davis when he is clearly the veteran with game experience. If a player doesnt live up to your expectations you guys want them out. Next year it'll be lets get rid of somewhat else who hasn't gotten a fair cahance. Live on haters you make me flourish.

I don't care who is in there as long as they catch the ball and score! I hate big name receivers like Owens he runs his big mouth. I liked Tom Waddle when he played he caught every ball thorn to him. It's not how fast you run but its how you run your routes! Go Bears!

Agreed...DUMP DAVIS! Keep Aromashodu and go with bigger receivers especially since Hester is tiny. Outside of Steve Smith, there have been no under 6ft stud receivers in the last decade so why is Angelo so cocky to think that a converted 5-9 kick returner can all of a sudden be a #1? Are we playing for the future or playing to win now? Seems Angelo cant make up his mind. GET A RECEIVER!

i was at the practice at soldier field last sat. aromashodu looked real solid. couldn't figure out who he was until the announcer said his name...then i couldn't pronounce it. but he looked huge on the field compared to everybody, caught just about everything. i'd take him over davis any day

Not trying to hate on Rashied, but it's all about risk and reward. We already know what Rashied Davis' ceiling is. He's an ok slot receiver. That shouldn't be too hard to replace. Keeping guys like DA, Johnny Knox, and Juaquin Iglesias makes more sense because you haven't seen their ceiling yet. They could be diamonds in the rough. If not, they may just be average, at best, which is what Rashied already has proven he is over the years. Your risk is minimal by dumping Davis, while the opportunity for reward is much greater.